North West Early Music Forum
Annual General Meeting
Didsbury Baptist church, Saturday 15 April 2023, beginning at 1 pm.
1. Apologies for absence had been received from: Roger and Val Wilkes, David Allen, Elizabeth Dodd, Martin Steward.
2. Minutes of the AGM held 30 April 2022 were accepted.
3. Matters arising from those Minutes: none in addition to those on the agenda.
4. Chairman’s Report. Tim Gannicliffe gave a verbal report at the meeting; a written version follows here.
“This past year we have had a good varied programme of workshops mainly for voices and instruments, but one for voices only done by Peter. Most of the workshops were held in Manchester but also Cilcain in North Wales, that I have just mentioned, and one in Lancaster. The workshops are reasonably attended, although the numbers are still below pre-lockdown and covid.
We really need more members on the committee to share the work of organising workshops; we have three vacancies on the committee, and it is really unfair to expect the remaining members of the committee to organise more than one workshop to year. The committee will have to discuss the ramifications on the future programme of workshops if we don’t get more committee members. I have given notice that this is my last year as chairman, so a new one will have to be found by the next AGM.
We are also still looking for an events and diary writer; the person doing this job does not have to be on the committee.”
There was a question whether other EMFs had similar experience of aging membership and shortage of Committee volunteers. Tim reported similar BMEMF experience. Regarding connecting with younger people, some NW music “hubs” had been contacted with no response. The University of Liverpool now has a professor, Lisa Colton, scheduled to lead a NWEMF in March 2024: a contact that might be developed. Other music departments might be investigated. Some students might be interested in event management and given NWEMF experience.
5. Treasurer’s Report. This was tabled. There had been no recent change in the Joan Wess fund but two bursaries would appear in 2023 accounts. More workshops had run in 2022 than the two previous Covid-affected years so incurring more expenditure. The bank balance had decreased but was still large. The report and accounts were accepted.
6. Workshops were planned (tutors and dates) up to May 2024, and a tutor for June 2024. The June 2023 date had changed to 24th. For October 14th 2023, Jacqui Gresham would seek a convenient and reasonably-priced Chester venue.
7. Election of Officers:
a. Chairman: Tim Gannicliffe was re-elected nem con.
b. Secretary: John Huthnance was re-elected nem con
c. Treasurer: Martin Steward was re-elected nem con.
8. Election of Committee Members (up to eight positions available)
a. Jenny Walsh was retiring after 3 years of service. Elizabeth Dodd, Bob Foster and Peter Syrus were re-elected nem con.
b. Jacqui Gresham was nominated by Morris Davies, seconded by John Huthnance and elected.
9. The tabled Safeguarding policy was accepted.
10. Other Business: the Committee was thanked, especially for workshop organisation.
The meeting closed at 1.30pm.
